Planet WL-3560 [6/19] Applications

1.2 Applications

1.2.1 Infrastructure

The WL-3560 provides access to a wired LAN for wireless workstations. An integrated

wireless and wired LAN is called an Infrastructure configuration. A group of WL-3560 PC

users and an Access Point compose a Basic Service Set (BSS). Each WL-3560 PC in a

BSS can talk to any computer in the wired LAN infrastructure via the Access Point.

An Infrastructure configuration extends the accessibility of a WL-3560 equipped PC to a

wired LAN, and doubles the effective wireless transmission range for 2 WL-3560 PCs.

Since the Access Point is able to forward data within its BSS, the effective transmission

range in an infrastructure LAN is doubled.

The use of a unique ID in a BSS is essential. All WL-3560 equipped PCs configured

without roaming options in an independent BSS must be configured with a BSS ID cor-

responding to the WL-3560 used in the BSS. Check your WL-3560 for its BSS ID or use

the Site Survey function on Configuration Utility program to determine the BSS ID.

The Infrastructure Wireless LAN configuration is appropriate for enterprise-scale wire-

less access to a central database, or as a wireless application for mobile users.

Infrastructure mode also supports roaming capabilities for mobile users. More than one

BSS can be configured as an Extended Service Set (ESS). The continuous network al-

lows users to roam freely within an ESS. All WL-3560 PCs or other IEEE 802.11b and

802.11g compliant wireless adapters within one ESS must be configured with the same

ESS ID and use the same radio channel.

Before enabling an ESS with roaming capability, choosing a feasible radio channel and

optimum Access Point position is recommended. Proper Access Point positioning com-

bined with a clear radio signal will greatly enhance performance.

1.2.2 Ad-Hoc

An Ad-Hoc wireless LAN is a group of computers, each equipped with one WL-3560

adapter or other wireless adapters, connected as an independent wireless LAN. Com-

puters in a specific Ad-Hoc wireless LAN must be configured to share the same radio

channel.